“Wind has delivered the most promising results out of all renewable energy technologies so far, with 57 GW of total capacity installed in the EU by the end of 2007. In order to ensure that this trend continues, we need to have a secure and favourable EU legislative framework.”

Read Andris Piebalgs' full speech here.

“We are in the process of changing how we power Europe and we rely on renewable energy sources to make this work. Technological breakthroughs in wind energy over the last decade represent one of the key solutions to the challenges that we are facing. It is my great pleasure to participate in your event because I believe in the power of wind technology.”

"Greater investment is needed in wind energy, in order to breach the gap between the EU’s goals, and today’s reality.”

"The wind energy generation industry is a vibrant example of how technology can drive economic and industrial development. The European Commission intends to work closely with your industry in the future, as it has in the past, to take advantage of the new political context in Europe. Our Strategic Energy Technology Plan proposes an industrial initiative for Europe in the area of wind energy and I look forward to the continuing commitment of industry to co-operation with public authorities at European and national level to make that initiative a reality."

"The massive potential for growth [in the wind energy industry] makes it a key contributor in achieving the “three twenties” targets of our climate and renewable energy policies. With the aid of wind power, the EU can continue to show the way worldwide, in terms of the fight against climate change."

Read Potočnik's full speech here.

“The current climate change debate is an important catalyst for a complete transformation of the European energy market. Europe's amazing technological potential in renewable energies can make a significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change. I am convinced that Europe must seize this opportunity – it is imperative that we act, for both ecological and economic reasons. EWEC 2008 is the perfect platform to discuss these issues and I am proud to participate on behalf of the host country.”

"The time to meet such goals and to tackle climate change is short...the window of opportunity to act is closing.”

"If quick steps are not taken towards a better use of renewables, the EU would go from importing 55% of its energy to 66% by 2030, making the economy even more dependent on energy from third countries."

“Offshore power installation in Europe is projected to reach between 40 and 140 GW by 2030, from 1 GW today. The installation of at least 40 GW and its integration into the grid are critical for the achievement of the binding target of 20% renewable energy by 2020 that was agreed in 2007. Without additional transmission infrastructure, EU-27 will not meet this 20% target. European-wide coordination and network planning are essential for meeting the challenge of large-scale generation of 'green electricity'. In this regard, it is essential to set priorities in the planning stage, as well as in the authorisation phase in the context of the Fauna and Habitat legislation – to give only some examples.

Offshore wind power in Northern Europe is truly a European project, not limited only to coastal countries; its deployment will require the joint coordinated efforts of the Member States concerned, the corresponding national regulation authorities, TSOs and grid related stakeholders, and the wind industry in order to determine the right incentives and rules for the necessary investments. It is a pleasure for me to participate in your event and share my views with the wind industry.”